“I haven’t looked at the news. What’s the story they have?” I ask, knowing they won’t give them all the details.
“Tennison is dead. The Task Force received an anonymous tip that led to the outskirts of Sam Houston National Park that eventually led to his demise. No other statements will be made.” He says it robotically as if he was speaking with the media.
“So, no me, no Lennox, and no Willow?”
“As of right now, no, but you know that information won’t be protected. It only takes one person talking.”
“I know. I’m not worried about Bluebell Falls talking, more about the hospital staff in Rosedale.”
“I’m trying to lock it down, but you know how it is. Someone always falls through the cracks.”
“Yeah. Okay, well, call me if something happens. I’ll try to prepare as much as possible here. And Kellen?” I ask.
“Yeah?”
“Stop by before you leave, okay?”
“Will do. You sound better, Oak. Does that mean you got your thumb out of your ass?”
I chuckle. “Yeah, that’s exactly what it means.”
“Tell Willow hi for me. And I’ll see you later.”
I smile over at Willow, who I assume heard the entire conversation judging by the grin on her face.
“Honeymoon’s over.” I sigh when my thoughts turn back to the original reason for the call.
“What exactly does the ‘media descending’ mean?”
“It means the story of Tennison’s death is out. And as you can imagine, he’s a bit of a national sensation so the interest in the full story will be huge. Every national, regional, local news station will want a piece of the pie.”
“Shit.” She scrubs her face. “So, what do we do?”
“I call Sheriff and see what needs to be done. I’d love nothing more than to hide out until the hype is over, but I don’t know that I’ll get that luxury.”
“It might be the safest option.” She climbs out of bed and heads to the bathroom.
I quickly follow the sway of her naked ass, and I growl in frustration that one, I’m not in any shape to fuck her right now, and two, we have shit to figure out before that’s even a consideration.
“Put on some damn clothes so I can focus,” I call out.
“What? Am I distracting?” She turns back with a smirk before shutting the door.
Trouble. Too fitting of a nickname if you ask me.
I take my time to put in that call to Sheriff.
“Morning Oakley,” he answers with his normal tone. No hint of the turmoil coming to take over our sleepy town.
“I just heard from Woodcroft and wanted to check in, see what I could do to help.”
“Well, the busybodies have been informed, so I think whoever decides to show up is in for a rude welcome. Honestly, I think it’s probably best to hide out. If they catch your scent or Willow’s, they won’t let up. If we give them nothing, they’ll leave faster. I can make sure you both are stocked up on food, supplies, whatever you need.”
My throat works extra hard to swallow. The support and the unquestioning loyalty that I still don’t completely feel worthy of are humbling to say the least.
“Will and I are at her house. I have no clue what we have for food, but I can text you later and let you know. I don’t want to hide out, but I agree it’s the easiest way to get rid of the circus sooner.”
“You’re a part of the Bluebell Falls family, Oakley. We support each other, and you can bet the people of this town will protect you from whomever decides to stick their noses here.”
